Having a reliable source of transportation is important for older adults to run errands, go to doctor’s appointments, or visit friends and family. But issues such as changes in mobility or vision can present challenges to older adult drivers and those in need of rides. No matter how you choose to get around, here are some tips on where and how to find resources to help you arrive safely to your destination.

3 tips to help you find transportation locally

Tip 1: Need a ride? Contact state and local transportation agencies

If you need a ride, your state, county, or city’s department of transportation may offer rides geared toward older adults and people with mobility needs. Rides In Sight helps older adults use their ZIP code, state and county to search for nearby ride services online or by calling 855-607-4337.

Depending on your needs, you may be able to use public trains or buses equipped to handle mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs, or an accessible ride service that picks you up at the nearest curb or front door.1

Your Rides in Sight search may also show other services, including:¹

• Volunteer transportation programs: Programs run by nonprofits or faith-based groups where older adults can schedule a pick up and drop off for free or a small fee. 
• Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT): A service for Medicaid recipients in select states to get to and from medical appointments.
• Travel training: Classes available for older adults to learn how to use public transit safely, available through a local transit agency or aging organization.
• Transportation vouchers: Financial assistance for older adults to afford rides.

Some ride services may ask you to register and confirm personal information including:¹

• Age
• Income
• Disability, if you have one
• Use of any mobility aids, such as a wheelchair or scooter

Before signing up, remember to ask questions such as how much rides cost, when to schedule rides, and if caregivers can join you.

Tip 2: Still driving? Contact your state highway safety office

After reaching a certain age your state’s department of motor vehicles may require more steps to keep your license, including:²

• More frequent license renewals, such as every two years instead of every five
• A vision exam
• A driving test

Use the Governors Highway Safety Association map to find requirements for older adults in all states and the District of Columbia. You can also use the  USA.gov search tool to find your state’s department of motor vehicles website and phone number to ask what’s expected of you.

Also, over a dozen states have traffic safety programs geared toward older adults. These programs remind older adults about the rules of the road and ask them to record any changes in their driving experience, such as:³

• Feeling overwhelmed by traffic signals, cars and pedestrians
• Trouble looking over their shoulder or looking both ways
• Having difficulty reading street signs

These programs can also help adapt an older adult’s vehicle to make driving safer. Find out what’s available near you by checking out the Clearinghouse for Older Road User Safety’s list of safety programs for older adults behind the wheel. You can also use the Governors Highway Safety Association’s online directory to find your state’s highway safety office website.

Tip 3: Need to find other local resources? Use the Eldercare Locator

The Administration for Community Living’s Eldercare Locator is a resource that helps older adults find services near them. Older adults can use its online search tool or call 800-677-1116 to find available transportation options.

The Eldercare Locator also partnered with the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center on resources that help older adults create transportation plans and explore transit options for people with disabilities.

Older adults can also use the Eldercare Locator to find their local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to ask questions about their transit needs and nearby options. Find the number and website of your nearest AAA by using the Eldercare Locator to search by ZIP code or city and state.

Photo by Willowpix

Sources

1. Administration for Community Living. Transportation Options for Older Adults and People with Disabilities. Found on the Internet at https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Resources/Brochures/docs/TransportationOptions_508_REV_20Sept2018.pdf

2. The Governors Highway Safety Association. Mature Drivers. Found on the Internet at https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues/Mature%20Drivers

3. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Driving Safely While Aging Gracefully. Found on the Internet at https://www.nhtsa.gov/older-drivers/driving-safely-while-aging-gracefully